Chile Forum

Of course when I say they were assimilated I of course note that Croats changed the Magellanes region in many positive ways. 2 way exchange.

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Oh no sorry.... I never meant to imply that you meant anything in a malicious way..... I overstepped the original question. As to the original question, speaking just for myself, the problems in the Balkans had much more to do with historic grievances, map making exercises, etc. than any Chilean thing. And yeah you would probably be correct in assuming that he might have been Chilean of course as any expat would get out the flag and wave it when a team from the homeland comes to play.....

patagoniax wrote:

aussie wrote:By the way, they [Croats] never assimilate into their new countries.

After knowing a number of Croatian-Chileans here, not only in the south of Chile but elsewhere, I would have to dispute the observation that they have not assimilated here. It's said that half the population of Punta Arenas is descended from Croats. It would be hard to suggest that half the population remains unassimilated.

I may have not explained my statement well. I did not say they did not assimilate in Chile. I said that they do not assimilate easily into their new countries. Two different things in my view. But I see how that could be easily understood differently.

My experience with them is from Australia, where they are only up to the third generation. The first to properly speak english, due to their stubborn refusal to assimilate.
In fact, if anyone started the war in Yugoslavia, it would have to be Australian Croats. Remember that they had trained in Australian and US military training camps around Pine Gap, large military compound housing some 120 000 US soldiers. And in 1972 or 1974, can't remember now, armed by Australians and financed by the US, they went back to try and start the uprising against the government. The attempt failed then and Australia was denying any involvement for years despite the australian insignia on the uniforms, air tickets from Sydney, and confessions by the terrorists. There are even a few pages on the net about the event.

And every Australian (born in Australia) knows the story too.